Are you worried your aging parent might not be safe behind the wheel? Many older adults can still drive safely, but age-related changes and health issues can increase their risk.
In this piece, we'll discuss common signs that it may be time to stop driving, what makes driving more challenging for seniors, and how to approach the conversation.
It's Challenging to Discuss Driving with Aging Adults
It’s common for adult children to worry about an aging parent’s driving skills, but it can be tough to start that conversation.
It’s a sensitive topic, especially for older adults who fear losing their independence or being seen as incapable.
Before making any assumptions, remember that many older adults can still be safe drivers well into their 80s and 90s.
But it's also common for seniors to have impaired vision, hearing problems, slower reaction time, medical conditions, and health issues that can make driving difficult or downright dangerous.
With an activity as risky as driving, it’s best to be proactive and regularly assess your parents’ driving ability.
It can be challenging to admit that they’re declining, but it would be a tragedy if they got into an accident and seriously hurt themselves or someone else.
We explain when to discuss driving with seniors, what factors increase driving risk, and share seven warning signs seniors should consider as reasons to stop driving.
When Should Seniors Stop Driving?
If you ask outright, your aging parent won’t want to discuss their driving ability.
You’re more likely to hear they’re just as skilled as they were when they taught YOU to drive!
A better approach is to look for warning signs before having a discussion.
That helps you decide whether to insist on talking about it because there are real reasons to worry, or if the conversation can be delayed because their driving skills are still strong.
In some cases, it may help to request a driving test or evaluation through the Department of Motor Vehicles or a certified driving rehabilitation specialist.
What Makes Driving More Risky for Seniors?
Assessing your older adult’s driving ability helps you understand the normal changes in the body that can make driving riskier for seniors.
Being aware of these changes helps you identify potential problems with their driving.
Although there is no average age at which people should stop driving, normal age-related changes in the body can increase the risk of car accidents.
Physical changes
- Decreased vision, impaired hearing, and slower reflexes make it harder to see, hear, and respond to other cars or pedestrians.
- Pain or stiffness in the neck or back makes it difficult to turn and see clearly when changing lanes or checking for pedestrians.
- Leg pain, weakness, or reduced mobility makes it harder to switch between the gas and brake pedals and press hard enough.
- A general loss of strength can make fast and accurate steering more difficult.
Cognitive changes
- Slower reaction time means taking longer to notice merging cars or to respond when the vehicle ahead slows or stops.
- As one’s multitasking ability decreases, driving safely and keeping track of road signs, traffic lights, other cars, pedestrians, and other “normal” distractions becomes more difficult.
| Type of Decline | Specific Age-Related Issue | How It Impacts Driving Safety |
|---|---|---|
| Physical Changes | Decreased vision and hearing | Failing to see pedestrians, misjudging distances, or missing sirens. |
| Neck or back stiffness | Inability to physically turn the head to check blind spots before merging. | |
| Leg pain or weakness | Struggling to quickly switch between the gas and brake pedals. | |
| Cognitive Changes | Slower reaction times | Failing to stop in time when the vehicle ahead abruptly brakes. |
| Reduced multitasking ability | Becoming overwhelmed by tracking traffic lights, road signs, and other cars simultaneously. |
7 Warning Signs that Parents Should Stop Driving
1. The car has fresh dents and scrapes
A good place to start is by examining their vehicle.
Are there recent dents and scrapes? Is there any damage to their mailbox, fence, driveway area, curbs, or garage door?
If possible, determine if their auto insurance rates have changed or if they’ve received any traffic tickets or warnings.
2. Driving habits have changed
Significant changes in driving habits are definite red flags.
For example, are they rolling through stop signs when they used to always come to a complete stop?
Do they now change lanes without even glancing at their blind spot? Has a lifetime seatbelt wearer stopped wearing their seatbelt?
Are they having trouble with right turns or avoiding them altogether?
3. They are straining to see
Being able to see well is essential to safe driving.
If your older adult has a vision problem like cataracts, macular degeneration, or glaucoma, they definitely won’t be safe behind the wheel, no matter what they say.
Other issues could also interfere with their ability to see.
Can they see over the steering wheel? Losing height due to osteoporosis or a curved spine can make this challenging.
And if they’re stiff or in pain, they might have trouble turning to check their blind spot or rear view when changing lanes or backing up.
4. Driving has become stressful, confusing, or exhausting
Driving can become stressful and tiring if your older adult works hard to compensate for any physical challenges.
They may also exhibit signs of confusion and anger, or be easily distracted.
Signs that cause concern include:
- Getting lost more easily, even in familiar areas.
- Struggling to back up or turn the car around.
- Having trouble seeing or tracking traffic signals, road signs, or pavement markings.
- Mixing up the gas and brake pedals or pressing them both simultaneously.
- Unable to tolerate any distractions.
- Responding slowly to unexpected situations, such as hearing sirens or seeing emergency vehicles.
- Having road rage or causing other drivers to honk.
5. They’re having “close calls”
If your older adult has had several narrowly missed accidents, that’s a sign that their driving skills are deteriorating.
This could happen because drivers are misjudging gaps in traffic, misreading traffic signals or road signs, or underestimating the speed of oncoming cars.
6. Driving at night makes them nervous
If your loved one has become reluctant to drive at night, it’s a sign that you should pay closer attention to their overall driving skills.
They should also consider whether any medications they take may cause drowsiness or other side effects that increase the danger of night driving.
7. Other people are getting scared
If your loved one's friends or other relatives aren’t comfortable riding in their car anymore, or if they say something to you about their driving, pay attention to those concerns.
It’s not a good sign when people are too scared to ride in the car!
If it reaches the point where their driver’s license needs to be reviewed or revoked, contact your state’s DMV to learn what options or procedures are available.
Frequently Asked Questions About Seniors and Driving
How can you determine if an elderly person is safe to drive?
Look for concrete warning signs like new dents or scrapes on the car, sudden changes in driving habits, and increased confusion or stress behind the wheel. Notice if they struggle with traffic signs or make mistakes with gas and brake pedals. You can also request a formal driving evaluation from a certified driving rehabilitation specialist or occupational therapist.
How to tell parents to stop driving?
Start by expressing concern for their safety and the safety of others rather than making accusations. Share specific examples of risky driving behavior you’ve witnessed. Avoid being confrontational—ask questions, listen to their fears about losing independence, and involve their primary care doctor to discuss how medical conditions affect their driving ability.
What if an elderly parent refuses to stop driving?
If your parent refuses to hand over the keys despite clear danger, gather evidence of unsafe driving and discuss your concerns directly with their doctor. You can also contact your local Department of Motor Vehicles (DMV). In many states, family members or physicians can report a potentially unsafe driver for a mandatory medical review and driving reassessment.
Conclusion: When Driving Becomes a Hazard
Age-related decline in driving ability is inevitable, and ignoring the warning signs puts your parent and everyone else on the road at a severe risk of injury or death. While surrendering the keys will undoubtedly cause anger and a loss of independence, waiting for a catastrophic accident to force the issue is an unacceptable failure in caregiving.
If your parent exhibits any of these seven red flags, you must intervene immediately. Schedule a formal driving assessment, request a candid consultation with their primary care physician, and proactively secure local transportation options such as rideshares or community shuttles so they can maintain their mobility without endangering the public.
Recommended for you:
- 10 Reasons Why Seniors Lose Their Appetite
- How Often Should Seniors Bathe? 3 Essential Health Tips
- Signs of Normal Aging: Memory, Eyes, Ears, Bones, Digestion
About the Author
Connie is the founder of DailyCaring.com and was a hands-on caregiver for her grandmother for 20 years. (Grandma made it to 101 years old!) She knows how challenging, overwhelming, and all-consuming caring for an older adult can be. She also understands the importance of support, especially in the form of practical solutions, valuable resources, and self-care tips.
